Friday, April 28, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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A candlelight vigil held April 25 honored those who persevered during the Holocaust.

Three guest speakers shared their stories to enlighten Team Little Rock about the history of those times.

Among the three guest speakers was Zwia Weiss, a Hungarian Jew and Holocaust survivor, who recounted her escape as a young girl from the Nazi regime.

“I moved from place to place to escape,” Weiss said. “I spoke such perfect German at a young age that the Nazis never assumed I was Jewish. It saved me many times.”

Weiss fought for her freedom from her war-torn homeland of Hungary to the United States. Every step of her journey, she fought for survival and a new life. At one point, she had to be smuggled through the Alps into Italy where she would eventually gain access to a ship bound for America – holding false Christian papers.

“America was the Promised Land,” Weiss said. “I was very young and I (knew I) had to get to America.”

The Statue of Liberty beckons people with the words inscribed on the tablet she holds: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. These words rang true for Weiss and many other survivors who eventually sought safe haven in the United States.

It was that struggle for life and freedom that service members and civilians honored during the event. At its conclusion, candles were lit in honor of the approximately 11 million Jews, gypsies, homosexuals, physically and mentally disabled, Jehovah’s witnesses, Poles and Slavic victims of the Holocaust.

“Taking a moment of silence to reflect while everyone in the room is holding a candle is a great way to show that we are all united about a common cause,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Hubert, 19th Airlift Wing chaplain assistant. “The true significance (of the) candles is when you are surrounded by darkness, the light of a glowing candle helps one reflect. It can also symbolize a new beginning for some, and remembrance for others.”

Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets attended an expo hosted by Team Little Rock on April 20 at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. Amongst the crowd of teenagers stood a young man with a different story.

Outwardly, Braedyn Durant looked no different than the cadets and carried himself with the same pride. One noticeable difference, was the small group he was with. He was accompanied by his mentor from Second Chance Youth Ranch and a Department of Human Services representative, while the cadets were escorted by their cadre and accompanied by numerous other cadets.

Braedyn’s group was small because he is currently in the state foster care system. That doesn’t stop him from dreaming, and he does hope to find a safe, stable home someday.

When one of his mentors asked where he’d like to visit, if he could go to work with a parent, he said he’d want go to the Air Force base.

“I’ve wanted to join the Air Force since I was seven years old,” said Braedyn.

His mentor quickly reached out to Little Rock AFB Public Affairs and asked if he could shadow an Airman for a day. As it turned out, the JROTC Expo was scheduled to take place and the day’s activities were a perfect fit for Braedyn.

“Most kids get the opportunity to experience ‘bring your child to work day’ or at least see where their parents work; foster children aren’t afforded that,” said Danni Barlow, Arkansas Department of Health Services adoptions community engagement director. “Events like today give children like Braedyn the chance to see there is a big world out there with so many opportunities.”

During the expo, Braedyn, along with more than 450 JROTC cadets, was given a day to interact with TLR Airmen and tour a few facilities to see the Combat Airlift mission in action. They all had the opportunity to try on night vision goggles, don bioenvironmental suits, talk to recruiters and learn about programs that help Airmen with their off-duty life. In addition to the many exhibits and demonstrations, a few top performers from each school, along with Braedyn, were given an incentive ride in a C-130J.

“The expo was a great opportunity for students to see a variety of career options and I think that days like this have a huge influence on an individual who may be unsure about military life,” said 1st Lt. David Carruth, JROTC Expo coordinator. “The event may have given Braedyn, and some of the other students, just the push they needed to pursue a career in the armed forces.”

At the end of the long day, the cadets all expressed their excitement and said they had a great time. Most were excited to tell their other friends and family about their experiences. When Braedyn’s day came to an end, he didn’t go back and share his experience with his mom or dad, instead he would tell his story to the five bunkmates and house parents he lives with.

Braedyn remained humble about his flight in a C-130J, the one-on-one time he spent with a 19th Security Forces Squadron combat arms training and maintenance member, and learning about the Explosive Ordinance Disposal mission – his favorite part of the day.

“I’m not one to brag. That’s not who I am,” said Braedyn. “But if they ask, I’ll tell them how my day was and what I did.”

Some students attending the JROTC Expo plan to join the military, like those students, Braedyn hopes the Air Force is part of his future, too. Although part of his desire to join is a bit different, one of his reasons is the same; it’s a family tradition.

“My grandfathers on my mother’s and father’s side were both in the military for some time,” Braedyn said. “I would like to carry on that tradition and create a life better than what I’ve had (growing up).”

A bright white light flashes from a closed-off room as an Airman torches a piece of metal at more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature of the room is surprisingly cool as the fire molds the metal’s imperfections away.

The smell of burning iron fades as the Airman removes his mask, revealing a look of accomplishment and satisfaction that the job is done.

He is part of the 19th Maintenance Squadron Aircraft Metals Technology shop, responsible for repairing and manufacturing aircraft parts using welding and milling machines.

“The most important aspect of our job is creating parts that are delayed or are unobtainable through the supply system,” said U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Jason Hicks, 19th MXS Aircraft Metals Technology craftsman. “Maintainers come to us and we manufacture the parts usually within a day or two.”

The metals tech Airmen are machinists, using milling machines to create functional parts out of large blocks of metal or aluminum.

From manual milling machines to new computer numeric controlled equipment, the Airmen can mass produce 100 to 200 aircraft parts at a time, reducing wait times for aircraft parts by more than half.

“What sets our career field apart from others is the ingenuity we use to make the parts,” Hicks said. “We get to think outside the box to figure out how we’re going to engineer a part instead of having to follow a step-by-step guide.”

These metal engineers are able to create all structural components of an aircraft from nose to tail.

“The amount of things we can make are endless — if we can think it, we can program it and make it,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Andrew Herrick, 19th MXS Aircraft Metals Technology journeyman.

In the true essence of a metals craftsman, the shop’s Airmen are more than machinists; they are welders and skilled in heat treating.

“A lot of our welding is done on support equipment; B-5 and B-1 stands for example,” Herrick said. “The majority of aircraft parts we weld are tail pipes.”

After welding a part, it can be heat treated. This process realigns the metal’s grain structure to make it harder and relieves stress on the structure.

“I think heat treating is the most underrated portion of our job,” Hicks said. “I’m fascinated by how we can heat treat a metal as thin as a soda can for six to eight hours, and it turns out almost like a super metal.”

In addition to ensuring aircraft parts are built with the finest metal possible, the shop saves aircraft maintainers time. On average, the shop can mass produce a part in two to three days.

Last year, the Airmen repaired and manufactured more than 500 unobtainable or delayed aircraft parts and support equipment, resulting in faster production times by six months to one year per part.

“Our job is mission critical because aircraft parts have strict standards,” Hicks said. “There can only be so much wear on them before they’re ‘out of limits’ according to the engineers.”

From the manufacturing shop to the flight line, these Airmen play a vital role in the C-130J’s maintenance so it can continue to provide global Combat Airlift.

Friday, April 21, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

DO YOU HAVE RED DRY ITCHY scaly patches on your body?
Burke Pharmaceutical, Research, NOW OPEN IN BRYANT, AR. Is now enrolling for an
Atopic Dermatitis study. Call 501-622-4449.**

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to 30%. Call Now! 866-281-5399.**

WANTED 10 HOMES In your county Needing METAL ROOFS,
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receive free $300 gift certificate. SAVE HUNDREDS OF $$$. We are opening a
branch office and will be using these homes for our 2017 program. No money down
financing. Payments $89/Mo.* Free estimates* Senior/Military discounts. *wac
CALL NOW!! 866-668- 8681.**

ETHEL’S EDUCATIONAL Express Child Development Center is
now accepting new enrollments and all vouchers. Summer School Program...Hurry,
before all openings are taken. Call Ethel at (501) 241-1172 or (501) 747-8713
today!

IMMEDIATE HIRE, International company, with over 25 years
in business, has 10-15 openings in local office. We are looking to expand our
operations and need people to help advertise for our company. No experience
needed. $350-$725 week to start. Call for interview, (501) 605-1303.

DRIVERS- HELP WANTED - TRUCK DRIVERS- ATTN: OTR Drivers!
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Crossroads Cafe, located in building 864, is hosted by the chapel and is open weekdays noon-5 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. on weekends.

“We have thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment for Airmen to come use and enjoy,” said U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols, a lead volunteer at Crossroads Cafe. “There is an entire room dedicated to video games and we keep our gaming systems and the games that come with them up to date.”

In addition to providing Airmen a fun place to hang out, they provide home-cooked meals.

“Dinner is provided to Airmen every other Friday of the month,” Nichols said. “Units rotate and provide a meal for the Airmen that attend. We have had roast beef sandwiches, pizza and other really good food.”

Along with their free Friday night dinners, the Crossroads Cafe also holds free monthly events.

“Crossroads Cafe host events, such as free horseback riding, where our volunteers organize and set up fun things for Airmen to enjoy,” Nichols said. “It’s a great environment to come and meet new people and socialize.”

Crossroads Cafe provides a fun, relaxed environment for Airmen.

“Crossroads Cafe is a center ran by Airmen for Airmen E-4 and below,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sarah Hubert, 19th Airlift Wing chaplain assistant. “It is a place where no matter what your job is or who you are you can come together for fellowship, free food and games.”

For more information on volunteering, call the base chapel at 501-987-6014.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month brings attention to the options available to those affected by conduct that falls short of the standards expected of individuals in uniform.

A U.S. Air Force priority is taking care of Airmen and families, and wingmen are responsible for assisting a survivor in speaking up. The support from friends and family after an incident may help the survivor recover.

There are two fundamental steps before doing anything that could help the person feel safe.

“First, you have to let them know you are sorry for what happened,” said Linda Benjamin, 19th Airlift Wing Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. “Secondly, give them back their sense of control by telling them they have choices.”

Giving the survivor options rather than personal opinions gives them the voice that was taken away by the assault, Benjamin said.

“The main thing is to be there for them; they came to you because they trust you,” Benjamin said. “It’s important they know you aren’t going to break that trust.”

The Sexual Assault Prevention and Response office has individuals who are trained in the way forward after an assault. Giving survivors the option of visiting this office first, helps provide them information to choose the appropriate avenue for their situation.

Military dependents over the age of 18 can also visit the SAPR Office, while those under the age of 18 are directed to Family Advocacy.

“SAPR is one of many helping agencies and we will make sure an individual’s confidentiality is kept if at all possible,” said Karen Hubbard, victim’s advocate. “Our job is to make sure they’re okay and to help in any way shape or form. There will be no judgment from us no matter what.”

Knowing the outlets for seeking help as a wingman can ensure that individuals are cared for.

“Give them two options and let them decide where to go,” Benjamin said. “If they come to the SAPR, we can help determine what to do from there.”

The Air Force has two different methods for reporting sexual assault: restricted and unrestricted reporting.

Restricted reporting allows a victim to report a sexual assault without starting an investigation and can be elevated to an unrestricted report in the future if the individual so chooses. It doesn’t result in an investigation without the survivors consent and is intended to give them time and control over the release of their information, empowering them to make an informed decision about participating in the investigation process.

Unrestricted reporting is any report of sexual assault made through normal channels such as the Airman’s chain of command, security forces and the Air Force Office of Investigation. Unrestricted reporting does not offer the same discretion as restricted reporting but directly results in an investigation unlike the latter.

It’s the survivor’s choice whether or not to report the crime, but presenting choices rather than making one for them could help them feel empowered to reach out for care and assistance. Before and after the individual has stepped forward, it’s important they feel safe at work and home.

“To support the victim, help stop workplace rumors by reminding others they don’t know all the facts,” Benjamin said. “Avoiding gossip within the work environment gives the person privacy needed to feel safe.”

Giving the person space to choose their avenue of care and stomping out rumors gives them control over their situation and creates an environment of support, something all Airmen should strive to provide.

The 19th Security Forces Squadron have trained Airmen that are critical to national defense and are the first impression of the base.

Team Little Rock’s Defenders are on the clock 24/7 and are ready to contribute to the Combat Airlift mission but they have hundreds of hours of training to get to that point. A team of experts have the responsibility of ensuring all members of the 19th SFS have the skills and knowledge necessary for defending the airlift mission, base assets and its community.

The mission of the training flight is to identify and deliver emergent and future force protection and force application solutions through modeling and simulation.

The training team at the 19th SFS consists of the Unit Training Manager and three instructors who provide training around the clock to meet the needs of the Defenders’ schedules.

“We are responsible for managing the annual training requirements for each SFS member and civilian,” said U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Justin Buchholz, 19th SFS NCOIC of Training. “We oversee the standard training tasks such as computer based training, Green Dot, resilience and other basic training needs.”

Keeping training current and relevant to evolving threats is a main goal of the 19th SFS training flight.

“With 217 hours of training covering weapons qualification, baton, TASER, legal studies, riot control, shoot-move-communicate, force on force and a multitude of other subjects, we stay busy,” he said. “We manage a weapons and ground safety program along with maintaining the 19th SFS Military Operations on Urban Terrain village; Air Mobility Commands only MOUT facility.”

The mission and personnel of Little Rock Air Force Base also benefit from the training the Defenders receive.

“We are responsible for the 19th Airlift Wing Expeditionary Active Shooter Training program,” Buchholz said. “We train approximately 1,000 Airmen per year simulating an active shooter and what to do in those situations.”

The constant training of 19th SFS personnel is important to not only the Combat Airlift mission, but to all missions.

“Adversaries are constantly attempting to find weaknesses in our defenses,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas McFarland, 19th SFS training flight. “Whether it’s taking pictures of our security, or attempting to breach it, we must train to recognize and counter those examples. We train like we do to eliminate our weaknesses.”

The Combat Airlift mission extends its reach to the entirety of the world and 19th SFS Defenders go where the mission goes.

“Most of our training is team focused,” McFarland said. “We need to provide our Defenders with every opportunity to work together as a singular unit and break away from individualism. Every Defender understands that the Defender on their left and right is doing exactly what they were trained to do and that their life is in good hands when the bullets start flying.”

When it comes to defense of American assets, 19th SFS need to be prepared to handle any situation the world may throw at them.

“Just like our motto states, ‘Anywhere, all the time’, we are ready to go and are ready for anything,” McFarland said.

Friday, April 14, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

DO YOU HAVE RED DRY ITCHY scaly patches on your body?
Burke Pharmaceutical, Research, NOW OPEN IN BRYANT, AR. Is now enrolling for an
Atopic Dermatitis study. Call 501-622-4449.**

ATTENTION HOMEOWNERS! A break-in takes place every
18 seconds! Protect your home with a home security system. Save up
to 30%. Call Now! 866-281-5399.**

WANTED 10 HOMES In your county Needing METAL ROOFS,
SIDING OR WINDOWS For our Before and after picture program. Upon being selected
receive free $300 gift certificate. SAVE HUNDREDS OF $$$. We are opening a
branch office and will be using these homes for our 2017 program. No money down
financing. Payments $89/Mo.* Free estimates* Senior/Military discounts. wac
CALL NOW!! 866-668- 8681.**

SERVICES

DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT children $125.00. Includes name
change and property settlement agreement. SAVE hundreds. Fast and easy.
1-888-733-7165, call us toll FREE 24/7.**

IMMEDIATE HIRE, International company, with over 25 years
in business, has 10-15 openings in local office. We are looking to expand our
operations and need people to help advertise for our company. No experience
needed. $350-$725 week to start. Call for interview, (501) 605-1303.

We’re looking for a few good drivers. Join Our Team!
$5000 Sign on bonus. Drivers are home every weekend. Great benefits, paid
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As part of the 19th LRS Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants flight, cryogenic Airmen fill and maintain containers with liquid oxygen to provide fresh air to aircrew in flight.

“Liquid oxygen, also called aviator’s breathing oxygen, or LOX, is a pilot’s main source of air above 10,000 feet,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jesse Frady, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel cryogenics journeyman.

LOX is pressurized oxygen that is cooled to minus 297 degrees Fahrenheit, turning it into a boiling liquid. It’s so cold, the Airmen wear face shields, coveralls, gloves and boots to protect their skin from contact burns.

Once in liquid form, it’s transported more efficiently from holding containers to aircraft.

“Crew chiefs issue the fluids from the carts to the aircraft then bring them back here to be filled again,” Frady said. “We take the carts and issue LOX from our 6,000 gallon bulk cryogenic container. We also take a sample to test before we push them back out.”

LOX Airmen test the samples using filter paper inside a sample odor beaker. They fill the beaker and wait 30 minutes for the liquid oxygen to evaporate. They then smell the filter paper to make sure the cart is not contaminated.

“The most important part of our job is ensuring the liquid oxygen is clean and pure so the aircrew don’t receive poisonous LOX,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Richard Hayes, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel cryogenics journeyman.

Four Airmen work in the cryogenics shop to produce two to six 50-gallon carts daily. They supply C-130J aircrew with fresh oxygen to perform high altitude air drops, air medical evacuations and emergencies.

“I think POL, as a whole, is one of the most important jobs because an aircraft can’t fly without fuel; you also can’t fly an aircraft if you don’t have air.” Frady said.

Hercules Dining Facility Airmen won the 2017 U.S. Air Force Hennessy Award against five Major Command-nominated bases March 24 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

The John L. Hennessy trophy is an annual award presented to the best food service program in the U.S. Air Force across the globe. The Hennessy award is based on the entire scope of an installation’s food service program.

“The Airmen have secured the recognition at the MAJCOM level three years running through dedication to top-notch customer service,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Danielle Joe, 19th Force Support Squadron assistant dining facility manager. “Winning at the Air Force level shows that commitment at a new level.”

Airmen from military installations compete against each other at the MAJCOM level to determine who is worthy of being sent to the finals. After three years of winning at the MAJCOM level, the team’s efforts paid off by being recognized at the U.S. Air Force level.

“It was an amazing team effort. Winning isn’t a single accomplishment, it’s a daily task of serving and training,” Joe said. “Keeping up with the needs of the base starts from day one, so when it’s inspection day, it’s just fine-tuning.”

The support of dining facility Airmen to the populace of Little Rock AFB doesn’t happen overnight, it requires training, said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Ballinger, 19th FSS Food services journeyman.

“A lot of hours go into training,” Ballinger said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s a Sunday or a Saturday, we’re going to try harder year after year.”

The Airmen weren’t aiming to win an award, rather, they were striving to perfect their customer service, their food production, preparation and serving to the best of their ability.

“Winning the award justifies all the hard work we put in, but it doesn’t stop there,” Ballinger said. “We have to be prepared for next year; winning the award is nice, but we have to do it for our customers.”

Receiving the trophy doesn’t end the staff’s commitment to excellence, as every day is a new opportunity to succeed.

“We showed what we are working toward daily, and the Hennessey award judges saw that. Every day you have to strive for success and you can’t get complacent,” Joe said. “The goal is to deliver improved customer service and become better. It’s not just about the award: this is what we do.”

The mighty C-130’s many capabilities make it a valuable asset for delivering supplies and troops. Members of the 19th Operations Support Squadron Airfield Management team work around the clock to provide a safe, efficient and effective airfield environment, which ensures the mission of global reach succeeds.

Eleven service members and two civilians make up the airfield management crew, responsible for ensuring a safe airfield by overseeing all vehicle traffic on the flightline.

The team conducts airfield checks every two hours, looking for problems from potholes to foreign objects and debris. After the issues are identified, the team enlists help from multiple base agencies to work toward solutions which range from cutting grass to more major endeavors like construction.

The shop is responsible for coordination and notification and making sure the agencies they work with are aware of situations.

Airfield management coordinates with the air traffic control tower, security forces, protocol and many other units for flightline operations. Each shop serves a different purpose, from reviewing flight plans to keeping birds away.

“Communication is key; we have to speak regularly with other units,” said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joseph Way, 19th OSS Airfield Management shift lead. “Without communication the mission would ground to a halt. We rely on each other for getting aircraft in the sky,” he said.

Because of the sheer amount of responsibility, the highest standards are expected from every civilian and Airman on the team. New Airmen are required to be fully certified within six months of arrival and are trained to perform efficiently without assistance.

“Customer service is a big part of our job especially for newer Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Bornhauser, 19th OSS Airfield Management operations NCO in charge. “We train our guys to be problem solvers because their number one job is to assist in any way they can within our lane.”

Sustaining rapid global mobility would not be possible without the contribution of all units involved, and the airfield management shop is no exception.

“When we close down, the airfield closes down,” Bornhauser said. “Without airfield management there’s no way to guarantee that an aircraft traveling to the runway will get there safely.”

Day in and day out, the team is always working to help the Combat Airlift mission succeed by providing a safe airfield for all flightline operations.

At the request of the Government of Peru, two U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft from Little Rock Air Force Base flew to Lima, Peru, on April 4 to support ongoing U.S. disaster assistance to communities devastated by floods resulting from torrential rainfall in the country’s northern region.

The aircraft, from the 41st and 61st Airlift Squadrons, will support the transport of aid and personnel to areas impacted by the floods and will join the ongoing U.S. relief mission led by the U.S. Agency for International Development to help alleviate human suffering there.

The Department of Defense has also donated $270,000 for the purchase of water purification systems, portable solar generators and water pumps distributed to affected areas.

Little Rock AFB has a long history of supporting and executing humanitarian missions. Team Little Rock continues to play a vital role in providing relief to our southern neighbors during the aftermath of this overwhelming disaster.

Friday, April 7, 2017

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads
by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail
your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them
to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in
Friday’s issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

DRIVERS- HELP WANTED - TRUCK DRIVERS- ATTN: OTR Drivers!
Looking for a great new opportunity? Great home time, Great starting pay, and
New equipment! Call today for more details 800-332-5551. Or visit our
website DiamondStateTrucking.com.**

We’re looking for a few good drivers. Join Our Team!
$5000 Sign on bonus. Drivers are home every weekend. Great benefits, paid
holidays & miles. New equipment. Dry vans. Local family owned &
operated. Must be 23 years of age and have a valid class A Commercial Drivers
License. 2 years over the road experience is a must. With You for the Long
Haul. ThompsonTrans.net or call (501) 228-8800.**

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed
pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace.
Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit
$200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

BEAUTIFUL HOME in Cabot! Please see full ad w/pics on
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The Air National Guard and Air Force Space Command graduated the first class from the Cyber Skills Validation Course during a ceremony held March 29 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

The 20 Airmen in this class represent the leading edge of a concerted Air Force effort to train and develop the Airmen needed to fulfill future cyber missions.

The Cyber Skills Validation Course is designed to tap into the wealth of skill that reserve component Airmen already possess through their civilian careers, and turn them into the mission-capable troops in high demand by state and national leaders.

“This course builds on the knowledge, skills and ability that students have previously learned and validates that they have what it takes to serve in the cyber warfare career field,” said Capt. Scott Anderson, 189th Operations Group Detachment 1 director of operations. “We are very proud of the students and we have the utmost confidence in our graduates being successful.”

The seven week long course consists of training in several critical mission areas, including digital forensics, industrial control systems and vulnerability assessments – curriculum that the formal technical training course covers over seven months.

“I want to be able to take a cyber warrior out of any technology company, put them into our work force and validate the skills they already have,” said Director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. L. Scott Rice. “I also want to be able to take young Airmen just joining the Guard and make them cyber warriors from day one. We should be able to adapt to both ends of that spectrum; we’re innovative. We’re Airmen. And that’s why I’m so excited to be able to look these Airmen in the eye, present their cyber wings, and say ‘Thanks for stepping up to the challenge.’”

Placing the course in the care of the 189th Airlift Wing, based at Little Rock AFB, made financial sense for the Air Force.

“The ANG had an existing secure facility, which made it the perfect location for a cyber mission,” said Anderson. “Additionally, with the infrastructure on Little Rock Air Force Base and its long history of training, it made perfect sense.”

The ANG anticipates it will graduate 60 Airmen from the course in Fiscal Year 2017, with that number expected to increase to 80 graduates per year beginning in 2018. Following the CSVC, Airmen go on to Initial Qualification Training and Mission Qualification Training courses.

The 19th Security Forces Squadron uses new scanning devices to expedite base entry and increase intelligence about possible crimes, keeping service members and their families safe.

The Defense Biometric Identification System, or DBIDS, is used by military bases to enhance the force protection mission of defending the installation by controlling authorized access at the installations entry control points.

“With the increased speed of the handheld units, Defenders will be able to scan more identification cards, which will result in a safer community,” said Jeffery Bardsley, 19th SFS plans and programs chief.

The devices provide real-time alerts about individuals requesting access to base which allows installation entry controllers to assess the situation and act accordingly. Base entry is not only safer, but faster with DBIDS by allowing authorized people through the gates in less time.

“This system is always being upgraded and advanced so it can be used throughout the base at various security forces sites, including the Pass and Registration office and the visitors center,” said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Angelina Horton, 19th SFS installation access NCO in charge.

The system gives security forces access to biographical and biometric data – such as Department of Defense identification numbers and fingerprints – to verify the identity of the individual before they enter the base.

“There is a great benefit to using DBIDS at Little Rock Air Force Base,” Horton said. “It makes life easier by reducing time spent entering the installation, and it helps ensure the right people are coming onto the installation.”

From safe and accurate installation access, to generating visitor passes and contractor cards at the Pass and Registration office and the visitors center. Defenders are now more equipped at detecting potential risks and safeguard against those possibilities.

Team Little Rock recently concluded a major accident response inspection on March 30 near Little Rock Air Force Base.

The goal of the day-long exercise was to test the host unit’s capabilities of responding to an aircraft mishap. The event was evaluated by the 19th Airlift Wing Inspector General.

During the exercise, a downed-aircraft tested emergency first responders. Items such as aircraft parts and simulated flare shells were arranged to replicate debris.

“This was a total TLR exercise,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Julie Honeycutt, 19th Inspector General director of inspections. “All units from the 19th AW participated with the 314th and 189th Airlift Wings along with the 913th Airlift Group.”

Two months of planning and coordination were necessary to prepare and ensure the success of the base-wide exercise.

"The overall base response was excellent,” U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jeffery Clouse, 19th IG superintendent said. “Units responded with urgency and displayed an outstanding level of technical expertise. In the end, the base accomplished several exercise objectives and got an opportunity to work with our partners in a safe yet challenging environment.”

Testing the base’s capabilities not only promotes readiness but enhances local partnerships by integrating with other units.

“The exercise will benefit the base by testing the dynamic command and control that is required when four different organizations are involved,” Honeycutt said. “Additionally, it gave people the opportunity to use equipment that they are trained on, but might not use on a day-to-day basis.”

Little Rock AFB, assigned to Air Mobility Command, is known as the Home of Combat Airlift. Continuing to train and test the unit’s capabilities enhances the ability to provide combat airlift anywhere, anytime.